Kevin Vallesteros, 29, died Tuesday from injuries sustained during the New Year’s Eve fireworks explosion in Aliamanu.
He is the fifth fatality from the fireworks explosion.
The 29-year-old victim was one of six people injured in the explosion that were flown on Jan. 4 via military transport to the Arizona Burn Center to receive treatment for their injuries, according to the Honolulu Police Department.
Vallesteros was receving treatment for burns covering 82% of his body and a compound fracture on his left leg, according to a GoFundMe page. Before his death, he was in a medically induced coma, which required intubation.
The GoFundMe described Vallesteros as a son, brother, father, and boyfriend. Vallesteros was the boyfriend of Melissa Cabrera, who was also injured in the fireworks explosion and flown to the Arizona Burn Center for treatment, according to another GoFundMe. Together, they are the parents of a 3-month-old boy, who is now being cared for by both of their families.
The New Year’s Eve fireworks explosion in Oahu’s Aliamanu neighborhood has now killed five people and seriously injured about 20 others. Two female victims, 61-year-old Carmelita Benigno, 58-year-old Nelie Ibarra, were found dead at the scene. Two other victims, 23-year-old Jennifer Van and 3-year-old Cassius Ramos-Benigno, died later at hospitals.
Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with the identity of the victim, via the Maricopa County Medical Examiner, and with additional information from GoFundMe. (Jan. 29, 2025)